Israel’s war creating a ‘lost generation’ of Lebanese students
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- Over 22 lakh students had appeared in the national exam.
- Israel has destroyed schools across southern Lebanon and displaced hundreds of thousands of students.
- Israel’s war has created a lost generation of Lebanese students, widening societal disparities and, in turn, damaging national unity, experts have told Al Jazeera.
- Schools in Lebanon have responded by using online learning and other programs to reach students, but education experts in the country said many were still falling through the gaps.
- And in an effort to catch up on all the lost schooling, the focus has been on subjects such as the sciences and mathematics, with topics such as citizenship ignored.
The ongoing conflict has led to the destruction of schools across southern Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands of students. This situation has prompted experts to warn that Israel's military actions are creating a lost generation of Lebanese students, which could exacerbate societal disparities and undermine national unity.
As schools are repurposed into makeshift shelters for displaced families, the education system faces unprecedented challenges. While some institutions have attempted to adapt through online learning, many students are still falling through the cracks, unable to access essential educational resources.
The focus on core subjects such as sciences and mathematics has resulted in the neglect of critical topics like citizenship, which is particularly concerning in a country with diverse religious sects.
Experts emphasize that this educational disruption could have long-term consequences for Lebanon's social fabric, potentially leading to increased tensions and instability in the future. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response to address the educational needs of displaced students and restore a sense of normalcy in their lives.
- The destruction of schools and displacement of students in southern Lebanon due to Israel's war is creating a lost generation, particularly affecting over 22 lakh students who are now unable to access quality education.
- This disruption not only hampers their academic progress but also exacerbates societal disparities, undermining national unity and increasing the risk of future conflict.
- As schools prioritize subjects like sciences and mathematics, critical areas such as citizenship education are neglected, leaving students ill-equipped to engage as informed citizens, which could have long-term implications for Lebanon's social cohesion and democratic processes.
- The Lebanese Ministry of Education is expected to announce new educational initiatives aimed at supporting displaced students within the next month.
- The United Nations will hold a meeting within 72 hours to discuss potential funding for educational programs in Lebanon affected by the ongoing conflict.
- NGOs operating in Lebanon are planning to launch a campaign within the next two weeks to raise awareness and resources for the educational needs of children impacted by the war.
- The Lebanese government is set to review its budget allocations for education by the end of the quarter, which could influence funding for affected schools.
- International donors are scheduled to convene before the upcoming donor conference in December to discuss financial support for Lebanon’s educational sector.